Semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device capable of stabilizing power supply by suppressing power consumption as much as possible. The semiconductor device of the invention includes a central processing unit having a plurality of units and a control circuit, and an antenna. The control circuit includes a means for outputting, based on a power supply signal including data on power supply from an antenna (through an antenna) or a load signal obtained by an event signal supplied from each of the units, one or more of a first control signal for stopping power supply to one or more of the units, a second control signal for varying a power supply potential supplied to one or more of the units, and a third control signal for stopping supplying a clock signal to one or more of the units.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device capable oftransmitting and receiving data.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a semiconductor device for transmitting and receivingdata has been developed, and such a semiconductor device is called an RF(Radio Frequency) tag, a wireless tag, an electronic tag, or the like.Most of the semiconductor devices that are in practical use have acircuit using a semiconductor substrate (IC chip) and an antenna, thoughsome of them additionally have a CPU or dedicated hardware.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A wireless tag has difficulty in stabilizing power supply from anantenna, and is needed to suppress power consumption as much aspossible. The wireless tag has a function of reading data from a storagemedium and performing cryptanalysis, though the latter cryptanalysisrequires complex processing, leading to increased power consumption.Strong electromagnetic waves are required with the increase of powerconsumption, thus there occur problems such as increase in powerconsumption of a reader/writer and adverse effect on other devices andthe human body. Further, the communication distance between the wirelesstag and the reader/writer is restricted.

In view of the foregoing, the invention provides a semiconductor devicecapable of stabilizing power supply by suppressing power consumption asmuch as possible. That is, the invention provides a semiconductor devicecapable of maintaining a stable power supply even when complexprocessing such as cryptanalysis is performed. Further, the inventionprovides a semiconductor device that does not require strongelectromagnetic waves and has improved communication distance from areader/writer.

In order to solve the aforementioned problems of the conventionaltechnologies, the invention will take the following measures.

A semiconductor device of the invention comprises a central processingunit including a plurality of units and a control circuit, and anantenna. The control circuit comprises a means for outputting, based ona power supply signal including data on power supply from an antenna(through an antenna) or a load signal obtained by an event signalsupplied from each of the units, one or more of a first control signalfor stopping power supply to one or more of the units, a second controlsignal for varying a power supply potential supplied to one or more ofthe units, and a third control signal for stopping supplying a clocksignal to one or more of the units.

The plurality of units and the control circuit are provided over a glasssubstrate or a flexible substrate.

The plurality of units are selected from a bus interface, a data cash,an instruction decoder, a reservation station, an instruction cache, anarithmetic logical unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a branchunit, a load/store unit, a general purpose register, a pipeline unit, aperipheral memory controller, and a peripheral bus controller.

The semiconductor device of the invention comprises one or more of apower supply circuit, a clock generation circuit, a datademodulation/modulation circuit, a CPU, and an interface circuit.

A semiconductor device of the invention comprises a plurality of memoryblocks and a control circuit. Each of the memory blocks comprises amemory cell array including a plurality of memory cells each having amemory element in a region where a bit line and a word line cross eachother with an insulator interposed therebetween, and a row decoderconnected to the word line. The control circuit comprises a means foroutputting, based on an operation signal including operating data of thememory blocks, one or both of a first control signal for varying a powersupply potential supplied to the memory cell array and a second controlsignal for stopping a power supply potential supplied to the rowdecoder.

The plurality of memory blocks and the control circuit are provided overa glass substrate or a flexible substrate.

The plurality of memory cells included in each of the memory blocks andprovided in the same column are connected to the same bit line. Theplurality of memory cells included in each of the memory blocks areconnected to the same column decoder. Moreover, each of the memoryblocks comprises a column decoder operating independently, and the wordline is provided independently for each of the memory blocks.

Each of the memory blocks is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), anSRAM (Static Random Access Memory), an FRAM (Ferroelectric Random AccessMemory), a mask ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read OnlyMemory), an EPROM (Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory), anEEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a flashmemory.

The semiconductor device of the invention comprises a CPU or a dedicatedcircuit for outputting the operation signal. In addition, thesemiconductor device of the invention comprises one or more of a powersupply circuit, a clock generation circuit, a datademodulation/modulation circuit, a CPU, and an interface circuit.

According to the invention having the aforementioned structures, asemiconductor device capable of stabilizing power supply by achievinglow power consumption can be provided. That is, the invention canprovide a semiconductor device capable of maintaining a stable powersupply even when complex processing such as cryptanalysis is performed.Further, the invention can provide a semiconductor device that does notrequire strong electromagnetic waves and has improved communicationdistance from a reader/writer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a semiconductor device of theinvention (Embodiment Mode 1).

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a semiconductor device of theinvention (Embodiment Mode 1).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a semiconductor device of the invention(Embodiment Mode 1).

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing a semiconductor device of theinvention (Embodiment 1).

FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing a semiconductor device of theinvention (Embodiment 1).

FIGS. 6A to 6H are diagrams showing applications of a semiconductordevice of the invention (Embodiment 3).

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing applications of a semiconductordevice of the invention (Embodiment 3).

FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams showing applications of a semiconductordevice of the invention (Embodiment 2).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a semiconductor device of the invention(Embodiment Mode 1).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a semiconductor device of the invention(Embodiment Mode 1).

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a semiconductor device of theinvention (Embodiment Mode 2).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a semiconductor device of the invention(Embodiment Mode 2).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Although the invention will be described by way of Embodiment Mode withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood thatvarious changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled inthe art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart fromthe scope of the invention, they should be construed as being includedtherein. Note that the identical portions are denoted by the samereference numerals in all the drawings.

Embodiment Mode 1

A semiconductor device of the invention has a function of communicatingdata by wireless, and mainly includes a power supply circuit 11, a clockgeneration circuit 12, a data demodulation/modulation circuit 13, acentral processing unit 14 (hereinafter also referred to as a CPU), aninterface circuit 15, a memory 16, a data bus 17, an antenna (antennacoil) 18, and the like (see FIG. 3). The power supply circuit 11generates, based on an AC signal inputted from the antenna 18, varioustypes of power supplies to be supplied to each circuit in thesemiconductor device. The clock generation circuit 12 generates, basedon an AC signal inputted from the antenna 18, various types of clocksignals to be supplied to each circuit in the semiconductor device. Thedata demodulation/modulation circuit 13 has a function ofdemodulating/modulating data that is communicated with a reader/writer19. The antenna 18 has a function of transmitting and receivingelectromagnetic waves. The reader/writer 19 communicates with andcontrols the semiconductor device, and controls data processing thereof.Note that the configuration of the semiconductor device is not limitedto the aforementioned one, and various configurations may be adopted.For example, other components such as a power supply voltage limitercircuit and dedicated hardware for cryptanalysis may be additionallyprovided.

The invention is characterized by the configuration of the CPU 14, whichis described below. The CPU 14 includes a CPU core 64 and a controlcircuit 65 (see FIG. 2A). The CPU core 64 has a plurality of unitsincluding, for example, a bus interface 51, a data cache 52, aninstruction decoder 53, a reservation station 54, an instruction cache55, a pipeline unit 62 composed of various units, and a general purposeregister 63. The pipeline unit 62 includes arithmetic logical units(hereinafter also referred to as ALUs) 56 and 57, floating point units(hereinafter also referred to as FPUs) 58 and 59, a branch unit 60, anda load/store unit 61. Such a configuration of the CPU core 64 is atypical configuration of a superscalar chip.

As another configuration of the CPU 14, for example, the CPU core 64,the control circuit 65 and the peripheral controller 70 may be provided.The peripheral controller 70 has a plurality of units including, forexample, peripheral memory controllers 67 and 68 and a peripheral buscontroller 69 (see FIG. 2B).

Note that the configuration of the CPU 14 is not limited to theaforementioned one, and unnecessary components may be omitted or othercomponents may be added as needed.

The aforementioned unit X (X=51 to 63, herein 51) is connected to powersupplies 71 to 73 through a switch 74 (see FIG. 1A). A power supplypotential of the power supply 71 (hereinafter also referred to as afirst power supply potential or a VDD1), a power supply potential of thepower supply 72 (hereinafter also referred to as a second power supplypotential or a VDD2), and a power supply potential of the power supply73 (hereinafter also referred to as a third power supply potential or aGND) are set to satisfy VDD1>VDD2>GND. The switch 74 is controlled by acontrol signal supplied from the control circuit 65.

In addition, the unit X is connected to the clock generation circuit 12and the power supply 73 through a switch 75. The switch 75 is controlledby a control signal supplied from the control circuit 65.

Note that power supply potentials of the power supplies 71 to 73 may beeither power supply potentials generated in the power supply circuit 11or power supply potentials generated in a power supply circuit providedin the CPU 14.

The control circuit 65 has a means (function) of supplying a controlsignal based on a power supply signal inputted from the power supplycircuit 11 or a load signal obtained by an event signal supplied fromeach unit of the CPU core 64. The control circuit 65 changes the settingof power supply potentials and clock signals, namely changes the mode(normal mode or standby mode) in order to achieve low power consumption.When only the setting of power supply potentials and clock signals arechanged, however, the operation of the entire CPU 14 may be effected.Thus, the operation for changing the mode means various types ofsettings as well as controls of the switches 74 and 75.

In the normal mode, the unit X is electrically connected to the powersupply 71 through the switch 74 and electrically connected to the clockgeneration circuit 12 through the switch 75. In other words, the VDD1and a clock signal are supplied to the unit X. Such a state is referredto as (VDD1, CLK).

In the standby mode, the unit X is: (1) electrically connected to thepower supply 71 through the switch 74 and electrically connected to thepower supply 73 through the switch 75 (VDD1, GND); (2) electricallyconnected to the power supply 72 through the switch 74 and electricallyconnected to the clock generation circuit 12 through the switch 75(VDD2, CLK); (3) electrically connected to the power supply 72 throughthe switch 74 and electrically connected to the power supply 73 throughthe switch 75 (VDD2, GND); (4) electrically connected to the powersupply 73 through the switch 74 and electrically connected to the clockgeneration circuit 12 through the switch 75 (GND, CLK); or (5)electrically connected to the power supply 73 through the switch 74 andelectrically connected to the power supply 73 through the switch 75(GND, GND).

The case where the unit X is electrically connected to the power supply73 through the switch 74, that is the case of (4) or (5) can be adoptedonly when the state of the unit X is not required to be held in the unitX itself. Accordingly, when the operation is not expected to return tothe initial state, one of the cases (1) to (3) is adopted to supply theVDD1 or the VDD2 to the unit X. In the case of (2) or (3) where the VDD2is supplied, a value of a register that stores the setting of the unit Xcan be held in the unit X. Therefore, when the standby mode is changedto the normal mode, the operation cannot return to the initial state butthe state before switching to the standby mode.

A power supply signal inputted to the control circuit 65 includes dataon power supply from the antenna 18, and more specifically, it includesdata on whether power supply from the antenna 18 is stable or unstable.

A load signal is generated in the control circuit 65 depending on theresult of counting an event signal. An event signal is supplied fromeach of the units, and includes for example an event signal operated inthe ALUs 56 and 57, an event signal operated in the FPUs 58 and 59, anevent signal of an instruction cache miss or a data cache miss, and thelike. The control circuit 65 counts an event signal periodically, anddepending on the result thereof, it generates internally a load signalof the ALUs 56 and 57, a load signal of the FPUs 58 and 59, and a loadsignal including data on cache efficiency or the like. Then, the controlcircuit 65 changes the mode of the unit X in accordance with the loadsignal. More specifically, when a load signal including data indicatinga low load or efficiency is generated, the control circuit 65 outputs acontrol signal for setting the unit X to the standby mode. Meanwhile,when a load signal including data indicating a normal load or efficiencyis generated, the control circuit 65 outputs a control signal forsetting the unit X to the normal mode.

For example, if a load signal including data indicating a low load tothe ALUs 56 and 57 is generated as the result of counting an eventsignal in a certain period, only the ALU 56 is set to the operation modewhile the ALU 57 is set to the standby mode. The CPU 14 is set so thatoperation using the ALU 57 is not performed when the ALU 57 is in thestandby mode. More specifically, the setting for not using the ALU 57may be performed in the reservation station 54 that performs instructionscheduling. Meanwhile, if a load signal including data indicating a highload to the ALU 56 is generated as the result of counting an eventsignal in another period, the ALU 57 returns to the normal mode.

Alternatively, if a load signal including data indicating a low load tothe branch unit 60 is generated as the result of counting an eventsignal in a certain period, the branch unit 60 is set to the standbymode. When a branch instruction is executed during a period where thebranch unit 60 is in the standby mode, however, exception handling isperformed to return the branch unit 60 to the normal mode.

As described above, a unit set to the standby mode is a unit X of whichuse is limited to certain instructions (e.g., a branch unit used atbranch instruction execution only), or a unit X that is not required forthe normal operation of a CPU (e.g., a cache in the case where the CPU14 does not use the cache). The unit of which use is limited to certaininstructions is, for example, one or more of pipeline units, aperipheral memory control unit, or a bus interface unit. If an unusedunit is accessed in the standby mode depending on an instruction,exception handling may be performed to return the unit to the normalmode and the instruction is executed thereafter.

The unit X having an unused operating mode includes a cache memory,parallel pipeline units in a superscalar, and the like. When the standbymode is set, the cache memory or one or more of the pipeline units maybe set in advance so as not to be used. When the cache is set to thestandby mode, the configuration where a cache miss occurs during eachcache access may be adopted. When one or more of the pipeline units areset to a used operating mode, the reservation station 54 may be utilizedso as to perform instruction scheduling with only an instruction forusing the selected pipeline unit.

The foregoing is summarized as follows. The control circuit 65 to whichis inputted a power supply signal or a load signal for setting the unitX to the normal mode outputs a control signal for setting the unit X to(VDD1, GND) based on such a signal. On the other hand, the controlcircuit 65 to which is inputted a power supply signal or a load signalfor setting the unit X to the standby mode outputs a control signal forsetting the unit X to one of (VDD1, GND), (VDD2, CLK), (VDD2, GND),(GND, CLK), and (GND, GND) based on such a signal. In thisspecification, a control signal for stopping power supply to one or moreof the units is referred to as a first control signal, a control signalfor varying a power supply potential supplied to one or more of theunits is referred to as a second control signal, and a control signalfor stopping supplying a clock signal to one or more of the units isreferred to as a third control signal.

That is, the operation of the CPU 14 with the aforementionedconfiguration can be shown as a chart of FIG. 1B. First, a power supplysignal or a load signal is inputted to the control circuit 65 (step 1).It is assumed herein that a power supply signal including dataindicating a stable power supply or a load signal including dataindicating a normal load is inputted. Then, the control circuit 65outputs a control signal for setting the unit X to the normal mode (step2).

Subsequently, another power supply signal or another load signal isinputted to the control circuit 65 (step 3). It is assumed herein that apower supply signal including data indicating an unstable power supplyor a load signal including data indicating a high load of the unit X isinputted. Then, the control circuit 65 outputs a signal for setting theunit X to the standby mode (step 4). Afterwards, the operation returnsto the step 1 and the steps 1 to 4 are repeated.

In this embodiment mode, an optimum power supply potential is selectedfrom a plurality of power supply potentials by controlling the switch 74disposed between the unit X and the power supplies 71 to 73, thereby themode (normal mode or standby mode) is changed. However, the invention isnot limited to this.

For example, an optimum power supply potential may be selected from aplurality of power supply potentials by controlling the power supplycircuit 11. According to this method, a plurality of power supplypotentials are generated by resistance division in the power supplycircuit 11, and the power supply potentials are amplified by an analogbuffer and stabilized by a capacitor element, thereby, a plurality ofpower supply potentials are outputted. However, this method requires acontrolling switch and a capacitor element, leading to increased circuitarea due to such elements. Thus, in order to suppress the increase incircuit area, another method may be adopted in which a plurality ofpower supply potentials are generated by resistance division in thepower supply circuit 11, an optimum power supply potential is selectedfrom the power supply potentials, and the optimum power supply potentialis amplified and stabilized, thereby a plurality of power supplypotentials are outputted.

Although the mode (normal mode or standby mode) is changed bycontrolling the switch 75 provided between the unit X and the clockgeneration circuit 12 in this embodiment mode, the invention is notlimited to this. The mode may be changed by controlling the clockgeneration circuit 12.

Although the control circuit 65 changes the mode (normal mode or standbymode) based on a power supply signal or a load signal in this embodimentmode, the invention is not limited to this.

The mode is changed by a power supply signal or a load signal as shownabove, but the mode is not necessarily changed by the control circuit 65in accordance with such a signal. Instead, such a signal (a power supplysignal, a load signal or an event signal) may be collected by thecontrol circuit 65 for a certain period to change the mode based on theresult thereof. Such an operation is described with reference to FIG. 9.

First, a power supply signal, a load signal or an event signal iscollected by the control circuit 65 (step 1). After a certain period oftime (e.g., 1000 to 10000 cycles), the mode is determined in accordancewith the signals collected for the period (step 2). When the mode isdetermined, a unit for changing the mode is selected to change the modeof the unit. Then, the operation returns to the step 1 and theaforementioned steps are repeated.

For example, described below is the case where the mode is changed basedon an event signal, provided that the event signal is an event whereinteger arithmetic is performed using a specific ALU.

First, an event signal where a specific ALU performs integer arithmeticis counted (step 1). After a certain period of time, the counted valueis compared with a predetermined setting value to determine the mode(step 2). More specifically, when the counted value is equal to or lessthan a predetermined setting value, the standby mode is selected,whereas when the counted value is equal to or more than a predeterminedsetting value, the normal mode is selected. Then, a specific ALU ischanged to the selected mode.

As another example, description is made on the case where the mode ischanged based on a power supply signal with four levels. First, a powersupply signal with four levels is collected (step 1). After a certainperiod of time, an average of the levels is calculated and the mode isdetermined in accordance with the result (step 2).

For example, if the average is four, all of the units are set to thenormal mode. If the average is three, one or more of the units are setto the standby mode. At this time, for example, one of the ALUs or oneof the FPUs is set to the standby mode. If the average is two, forexample an instruction cache and a data cache are set to the standbymode in addition to the units set to the standby mode when the averageis three. If the average is one, necessary data is stored in anonvolatile memory to turn off the power.

The invention is characterized by changing the mode based on a powersupply signal or a load signal. Next, the configuration and theoperation of a power supply signal generation circuit for generating apower supply signal are described with reference to FIG. 10.

A power supply signal generation circuit includes power supplygeneration circuits 601 and 602, a resistor element 603, a referencepotential generation circuit 604, and a comparator circuit 605. Thepower supply generation circuits 601 and 602 are connected to theantenna 18. Each of the power supply generation circuits 601 and 602includes a diode and a capacitor, and has a function of generating aplurality of power supply potentials. The power supply generationcircuit 602 has enough power supply capacity to achieve constantoperation even when the antenna 18 has a low power supply level. Thereference potential generation circuit 604 includes a resistor and abuffer, and has a function of generating a reference potential(hereinafter also referred to as Vref) by resistance division,amplifying it by an analog buffer and outputting. The comparator circuit605 includes a differential amplifier and has a function of comparingtwo analog potentials.

Power supply potentials generated from the power supply generationcircuit 602 and a ground potential (GND) are voltage-dropped by theresistor element 603 to generate potentials V1 to Vn. The comparatorcircuit 605 compares the potentials V1 to Vn with the referencepotential Vref, thereby a power supply signal (digital signal) includingdata on a power supply level is generated.

The potentials V1 to Vn are analog potentials determined by the powersupply capacity of the power supply generation circuit 602 and thecurrent consumption of the resistor element 603. Provided that n=3 issatisfied, for example, and a parameter of each circuit is arbitrarilyselected so as to satisfy V1>V2>V3, then the power supply level isindicated by four-level power supply signals (1, 1, 1), (1, 1, 0), (1,0, 0), and (0, 0, 0) sequentially from high to low.

In other words, when the power supply level from the antenna 18 is high,voltage drop by the resistor element 603 is low and the potentials V1 toV3 are all higher than the Vref, thereby the signal (1, 1, 1) isoutputted. On the other hand, when the power supply level from theantenna 18 is low, voltage drop by the resistor element 603 is high andthe potentials V1 to V3 are all lower than the Vref, thereby the signal(0, 0, 0) is outputted.

The configuration of the power supply signal generation circuit is notlimited to the one shown in FIG. 10, and known configurations of thepower supply generation circuit, the potential generation circuit andthe comparator circuit may be adopted as well. In addition, although onereference potential is compared with a plurality of potentials V1 to Vnin the aforementioned configuration, the invention is not limited tothis. For example, a plurality of reference potentials may be generatedand compared with a voltage-dropped potential V to determine the powersupply level.

According to the invention having the aforementioned configuration, themode is changed based on a power supply signal, thereby powerconsumption can be optimized in accordance with the power supply fromthe antenna. Further, according to the invention, the mode is changedbased on a load signal determined by an event signal, thereby powerconsumption can be optimized in accordance with the operation of a CPU.Therefore, the invention can provide a semiconductor device with animproved operating margin with respect to the power supply.

Embodiment Mode 2

Described next is a configuration of a semiconductor devicecharacterized by a configuration of the memory 16. Thus, a configurationof the memory 16 is described hereinafter. The memory 16 includes aplurality of (four herein) memory blocks 33 to 36, a column decoder 21,a selector 22, a read/write circuit 23 for inputting and outputting(writing and reading) data, and a control circuit 24 that operates inaccordance with an operation signal (see FIG. 12).

The memory block 33 includes a memory cell array 29 and a row decoder25, the memory block 34 includes a memory cell array 30 and a rowdecoder 26, the memory block 35 includes a memory cell array 31 and arow decoder 27, and the memory block 36 includes a memory cell array 32and a row decoder 28. The memory cell array 29 includes bit lines Ba1 toBam (m is a natural number) and word lines Wa1 to Wai (i is a naturalnumber), the memory cell array 30 includes the bit lines Ba1 to Bam andword lines Wb1 to Wbj (j is a natural number), the memory cell array 31includes bit lines Bb1 to Bbn (n is a natural number) and word lines Wc1to Wci, and the memory cell array 32 includes the bit lines Bb1 to Bbnand word lines Wd1 to Wdj.

Each of the memory cell arrays 29 to 32 includes a plurality of memorycells 37 each of which has a memory element in a region where a bit lineBax (1=x=m) and a word line Way or Wby (1=y=i), or a bit line Bbx(1=x=n) and a word line Wcy or Wdy (1=y=j) cross each other with aninsulator interposed therebetween.

The memory element corresponds to one or more of a transistor, acapacitor element and a resistor element. In the case of an SRAM, thememory element may be configured by six transistors, five transistors,four transistors and two resistor elements, or four transistors and oneresistor element. If the memory element is configured by sixtransistors, or four transistors and two resistor elements, two bitlines (one bit line and one bit bar line) are disposed in each column.Meanwhile, in the case of a flash memory, the memory element correspondsto a transistor including a charge accumulation layer. The memory 16 canthus be a DRAM, an FeRAM, an OUM, an MRAM, a mask ROM, a PRAM, an EPROM,an EEPROM and the like as well as an SRAM and a flash memory. Note thatit is preferable that all of the memory cells 37 included in each of thememory cell arrays 29 to 32 have the same configuration in view of yieldand operating control. However, the memory cells 37 may have differentconfigurations in each memory cell array.

The memory cell 16 having the aforementioned configuration ischaracterized in that the memory cells 37 included in each of the memoryblocks 33 to 36, which are provided in the same column, are connected tothe same bit line Bax or Bbx.

According to the aforementioned structure, the memory cells 37 includedin the memory blocks 33 to 36 are connected to the same column decoder21. However, the number of the column decoder 21 is not especiallylimited, and a plurality of column decoders may be provided if thenumber of the memory blocks is increased or higher-speed operation isrequired. For example, one column decoder may be provided for the memoryblocks 33 and 35 and another column decoder may be provided for thememory blocks 34 and 36. Alternatively, a column decoder may be providedfor each of the memory blocks 33 to 36. In this case, a bit line can beprovided independently for each of the memory blocks 33 to 36.

The memory 16 having the aforementioned configuration is alsocharacterized in that the word lines Way, Wby, Wcy, and Wdy (1=y=i, j)are provided independently for each of the memory blocks 33 to 36.Accordingly, the memory blocks 33 to 36 have the row decoders 25 to 28respectively that operate independently of each other. That is,horizontal scanning of each of the memory blocks 33 to 36 is performedindependently of each other.

A memory cell array Y (Y=29 to 32, and Y=29 herein) included in a memoryblock X (X=33 to 36, and X=33 herein) is connected to power supplies 39and 40 through a switch 43 (see FIG. 11A). A potential of the powersupply 39 (hereinafter also referred to as a first power supplypotential or a VDD1) and a potential of the power supply 40 (hereinafteralso referred to as a second power supply potential or a VDD2) are setto satisfy VDD1>VDD2. The switch 43 is controlled by a first controlsignal supplied from the control circuit 24. A row decoder Z (Z=25 to28, and Z=25 herein) is connected to power supplies 41 and 42 through aswitch 44. A potential of the power supply 41 (hereinafter also referredto as a VDD) and a potential of the power supply 42 (hereinafter alsoreferred to as a GND) are set to satisfy VDD>GND. The switch 44 iscontrolled by a second control signal supplied from the control circuit24.

Note that the power supply 39 and the power supply 41 have the samepower supply potential in some cases, therefore, they may share a powersupply. The potentials of the power supplies 39 to 42 may be eitherpower supply potentials generated in the power supply circuit 11 orpower supply potentials generated in a power supply circuit provided inthe memory 16.

The control circuit 24 includes a means (function) for supplying acontrol signal to the memory block X based on an operation signalsupplied from the CPU 14, an operation signal supplied from a dedicatedcircuit provided externally through the reader/writer 19, or anoperation signal generated in the memory. The operation signal indicatesthe mode change (normal mode or standby mode) of the memory block X. Thecontrol circuit 24 supplies a control signal to the switches 43 and 44included in the memory block X in accordance with the operation signal.Thus, the memory block X is set to either the normal mode or the standbymode depending on the connection to the switch 43 or 44.

The data of the operation signal is based on, for example, the result ofcounting the number of accesses to each memory block for a certainperiod. More specifically, when the number of accesses to a memory blockfor a certain period is equal to or less than a predetermined settingvalue, an operation signal for changing the memory block to the standbymode is outputted. Such counting of the number of accesses to eachmemory block may be performed by the CPU 14, a dedicated circuitprovided externally, or the memory 16 itself.

In the normal mode, the memory block X is electrically connected to thepower supply 39 through the switch 43 and electrically connected to thepower supply 41 through the switch 44. That is, the VDD1 is supplied tothe memory cell array Y while the VDD is supplied to the row decoder Z.Such a state is referred to as (VDD1, VDD).

On the other hand, in the standby mode, the memory block X is: (1)electrically connected to the power supply 39 through the switch 43 andelectrically connected to the power supply 42 through the switch 44(VDD1, GND); (2) electrically connected to the power supply 40 throughthe switch 43 and electrically connected to the power supply 41 throughthe switch 44 (VDD2, GND); or (3) electrically connected to the powersupply 40 through the switch 43 and electrically connected to the powersupply 42 through the switch 44 (VDD2, VDD).

If the memory cell 37 is a volatile memory, data may be erased when apower supply potential supplied to the memory cell array Y is changed.Accordingly, in the case of the memory cell 37 being a volatile memory,the VDD2 is set to a power supply potential at which data is not erased.Meanwhile, if the memory cell 37 is a nonvolatile memory, the VDD2 isset to a ground potential (also referred to as a GND).

The operation of the memory 16 with the aforementioned configuration canbe shown as a chart of FIG. 11B. First, an operation signal is inputtedto the control circuit 24. It is assumed herein that the operationsignal indicates that the memory block X is used (step 1). Then, thecontrol circuit 24 outputs a control signal for setting the memory blockX to the normal mode (step 2).

Subsequently, another operation signal is inputted to the controlcircuit 24 (step 3). It is assumed herein that the operation signalindicates that the memory block X is not used. Then, the control circuit24 outputs a control signal for setting the memory block X to thestandby mode (step 4). Afterwards, the operation returns to the step 1and the steps 1 to 4 are repeated.

In this embodiment mode, an optimum power supply potential is selectedfrom a plurality of power supply potentials by controlling the switches43 and 44 disposed between the memory block X and the power supplies 39to 42, thereby the mode (normal mode or standby mode) is changed.However, the invention is not limited to this.

For example, an optimum power supply potential may be selected from aplurality of power supply potentials by controlling the power supplycircuit 11. According to this method, a plurality of power supplypotentials are generated by resistance division in the power supplycircuit 11, and the power supply potentials are amplified by an analogbuffer and stabilized by a capacitor element, thereby a plurality ofpower supply potentials are outputted. However, this method requires acontrolling switch and a capacitor element, leading to increased circuitarea due to such elements. Thus, in order to suppress the increase incircuit area, another method may be adopted in which a plurality ofpower supply potentials are generated by resistance division in thepower supply circuit 11, an optimum power supply potential is selectedfrom the power supply potentials, and the optimum power supply potentialis amplified and stabilized, thereby a plurality of power supplypotentials are outputted.

When the CPU 14 performs a normal operation using a specific program,only a few data files are accessed in many cases. In such a case, realmemories to be accessed are often localized in a relatively narrowspace. Therefore, if the accessed real memories are stored in the samememory block, the number of memory blocks that are not used can beincreased. In addition, when all of the memory blocks that are not usedare set to the standby mode, power consumption can be further reduced.Accordingly, in each of the memory blocks included in the memory 16 ofthe invention, the addresses are preferably decoded so as to be assignedsequentially.

If the memory block set to the standby mode is accessed, the followingtwo measures can be taken.

According to the first method, a signal including data indicating thatthe memory block X is in the standby mode and data cannot beread/written is transmitted to an accessing circuit (typically, a CPU).More specifically, a dedicated control signal line is provided betweenthe memory block X and a circuit that might access. If the memory blockX in the standby mode is accessed, a dedicated control signal isasserted to interrupt the memory access. At the same time, the accessedmemory block X returns to the normal mode, and the interruption isreleased when the memory block X is ready.

According to the second method, it is ensured that the memory block X isready. More specifically, the CPU 14 has data on capacitance of thememory block X. The CPU 14 has a means (program or hardware) forchecking whether the memory block is in the standby mode or not whenaccessing each memory block or accessing a memory block different from amemory block that is accessed immediately before. If the memory block Xis in the standby mode, memory access instruction is interrupted and thememory block X returns to the normal mode firstly.

As described above, according to the invention, the memory 16 is dividedinto a plurality of units, namely memory blocks, and power supply tomemory blocks that are not used is reduced, leading to low powerconsumption.

Embodiment 1

A semiconductor device of the invention is characterized by reading andwriting data by wireless. Data transmission system is roughly dividedinto three types: electromagnetic coupling system where data iscommunicated by mutual induction with a pair of coils disposed oppositeto each other; electromagnetic induction system where data iscommunicated by the induction field; and radio wave system where data iscommunicated by radio waves. The invention can be applied to any one ofthe systems. The antenna 18 for transmitting data may be provided over asubstrate 81 on which a plurality of elements are formed (see FIGS. 4Aand 4C), or may be provided so as to be connected to a terminal portionthat is formed over the substrate 81 on which a plurality of elementsare formed (see FIGS. 4B and 4D). In this embodiment, the plurality ofelements formed on the substrate 81 are referred to as an element group80.

In the former case (FIGS. 4A and 4C), the element group 80 and aconductive film functioning as the antenna 18 are formed over thesubstrate 81. In the shown structure, the conductive film functioning asthe antenna 18 is provided on the same layer as a source/drain wiring.However, the invention is not limited to such a structure, and theantenna 18 may be provided on the same layer as a gate electrode orprovided on an insulating film formed so as to cover the element group80.

In the latter case (FIGS. 4B and 4D), the element group 80 and aterminal portion 85 are formed over the substrate 81. In the shownstructure, a source/drain wiring of a semiconductor element selectedfrom the element group 80 is used as the terminal portion 85. Then, asubstrate 82 on which the antenna 18 is formed is attached to thesubstrate 81 so as to be connected to the terminal portion 85. Ananisotropic conductive paste 83 and a resin 84 are provided between thesubstrate 81 and the substrate 82.

When the element group 80 is obtained by forming a plurality of elementgroups 80 over a large substrate and then dividing them, an inexpensiveelement group can be provided. A quartz substrate, a glass substrate orthe like may be used as the substrate at this time, though a glasssubstrate with no restriction on the area is preferably used.

A plurality of transistors included in the element group 80 may beformed on different layers. When the element group 80 are formed ondifferent layers, an interlayer insulating film is used. The interlayerinsulating film may be formed of a resin material such as an epoxyresin, an acrylic resin, and a polyimide resin with lighttransmissivity, a compound material obtained by polymerizing such assiloxane polymer, a material containing water-soluble homopolymer andwater-soluble copolymer, or an inorganic material.

A siloxane compound material is, for example, a material having abackbone structure obtained by binding silicon to oxygen and having atleast a hydrogen substituent, or further having one or more substituentsselected from fluorine, an alkyl group, and aromatic hydrocarbon inaddition to hydrogen. As another material of the interlayer insulatingfilm, a low dielectric constant (low-k) material may be used in order toreduce parasitic capacitance generated between layers. The reduction ofparasitic capacitance results in high-speed operation as well as lowpower consumption.

A plurality of transistors included in the element group 80 may have anactive layer using any one of an amorphous semiconductor, amicrocrystalline semiconductor, a polycrystalline semiconductor, and anorganic semiconductor. In particular, for obtaining a transistor withexcellent properties, an active layer crystallized by using a metalelement as a catalyst is preferably used as well as an active layercrystallized by laser irradiation. Alternatively, a semiconductor layerformed by plasma CVD using SiH₄ and F₂ gas, or SiH₄ and H₂ gas (+Argas), or a layer obtained by irradiating the semiconductor layer withlaser may be used as an active layer.

A plurality of transistors included in the element group 80 may have acrystalline semiconductor layer (low temperature polysilicon layer)crystallized at a temperature of 200 to 600° C. (preferably, 350 to 500°C.) or a crystalline semiconductor layer (high temperature polysiliconlayer) crystallized at a temperature of 600° C. or more. If a hightemperature polysilicon layer is formed over a substrate, a quartzsubstrate may be used as well as a glass substrate.

It is desirable that hydrogen or halogen be added to an active layer(particularly, a channel forming region) of a transistor included in theelement group 80 at a concentration of 1×10¹⁹ to 1×10²² atoms/cm³, andmore preferably 1×10¹⁹ to 5×10²° atoms/cm³. According to this, an activelayer with few defects, where cracks are not generated easily, can beobtained.

In addition, a barrier film for preventing a contaminant such as analkaline metal may be provided so as to cover the transistors includedin the element group 80 or the element group 80 itself. According tothis, the element group 80 that is free from pollution and has improvedreliability can be obtained. Note that the barrier film is a siliconnitride film, a silicon nitride oxide film, a silicon oxynitride film,or the like.

The thickness of an active layer of a transistor included in the elementgroup 80 is 20 to 200 nm, preferably 40 to 170 nm, more preferably 45 to55 nm or 145 to 155 nm, and still more preferably 50 nm or 150 nm.According to this, the element group 80 where cracks are not generatedeasily even when it is bent can be obtained.

Crystals constituting an active layer of a transistor included in theelement group 80 may be formed so that the crystal grain boundarythereof extends parallel to the flowing direction of carriers (channellength direction). Such an active layer may be formed using a continuouswave laser (CWLC) or a pulsed laser operating at a frequency of 10 MHzor more, and preferably 60 to 100 MHz.

A transistor included in the element group 80 may have an S value(subthreshold value) of 0.35 V/decade or less (preferably, 0.09 to 0.25V/decade) and a mobility of 10 cm²/Vs or more. Such properties can beachieved by forming an active layer using a continuous wave laser or apulsed laser operating at a frequency of 10 MHz or more.

Further, the element group 80 has the property that the delay time ofeach gate of a ring oscillator is 1 μsec or less, and preferably 100nsec or less (at a voltage of 3 to 5 V).

The antenna 18 may be formed by a droplet discharge method usingconductive paste containing nanoparticles of gold, silver or copper. Thedroplet discharge method is a generic term referring to a method ofdischarging droplets to form a pattern, and includes an ink jet methodand a dispenser method. The droplet discharge method has the advantageof improving the usability of materials.

The element group 80 is formed over the substrate 81 such as a glasssubstrate and a quartz substrate. The element group 80 over thesubstrate 81 may be used as it is, or may be peeled from the substrate81 (see FIG. 5A) and then attached to a flexible substrate 86 (see FIG.5B) in order to produce added value. As the flexible substrate 86 havingflexibility, a plastic substrate such as polycarbonate, polyarylate andpolyether sulfone, a teflon substrate, a ceramic substrate or the likemay be employed.

The element group 80 may be peeled from the substrate 81 by a method offorming a peeling layer between the substrate 81 and the element group80 and then removing the peeling layer using an etchant; or a method ofphysically peeling the element group 80 from the substrate 81 afterremoving a peeling layer partially using an etchant. Note that thephysical peeling means peeling by a stress applied externally, forexample a stress due to gas pressure sprayed from a nozzle or ultrasonicwaves.

The element group 80 may be peeled from the substrate 81 by (1) a methodwhere a metal oxide film is formed between the high heat resistantsubstrate 81 and the element group 80, and the metal oxide film isweakened by crystallization, thereby the element group 80 is peeled; (2)a method where an amorphous silicon film containing hydrogen is formedbetween the high heat resistant substrate 81 and the element group 80,and the amorphous silicon film is removed by laser irradiation oretching, thereby the element group 80 is peeled; (3) a method where thehigh heat resistant substrate 81 on which the element group 80 is formedis removed mechanically or by etching using a solution or a gas such asClF₃, thereby the element group 80 is peeled; and the like. The peeledelement group 80 can be attached to the flexible substrate 86 with acommercial adhesive such as an epoxy resin adhesive, an adhesive using aresin additive and the like.

As set forth above, by attaching the element group 80 to the flexiblesubstrate 86, a thin, light and highly impact-resistant semiconductordevice can be provided (see FIG. 5C). In addition, when an inexpensivesubstrate is used as the flexible substrate 86, an inexpensivesemiconductor device can be obtained. Further, since the flexiblesubstrate 86 has flexibility, it can be attached to a curved surface oran irregular shaped surface, leading to various applications. Forexample, a wireless tag 20 that is one mode of the semiconductor deviceof the invention can be attached close to a curved surface such as amedicine bottle (see FIG. 5D). If the substrate 81 is reused, a lowercost of the semiconductor device is achieved. This embodiment can beimplemented in combination with the aforementioned embodiment modes andembodiments.

Embodiment 2

In this embodiment, a flexible wireless tag formed by a peeling processis described (see FIG. 8A). A wireless tag includes a flexibleprotective layer 2301, a flexible protective layer 2303 having anantenna 2304, and an element group 2302 formed by a peeling process. Theantenna 2304 formed on the protective layer 2303 is electricallyconnected to the element group 2302. Although the antenna 2304 is formedonly on the protective layer 2303 in the drawing, the invention is notlimited to this and the antenna 2304 may be additionally formed on theprotective layer 2301. Note that a barrier film is preferably formedbetween the element group 2302 and the protective layers 2301 and 2303by using a silicon nitride film and the like. According to this, theelement group 2303 is free from pollution, and thus a wireless tag withimproved reliability can be provided.

The antenna 2304 is desirably formed of silver, copper, or metal coatedwith them. The antenna 2304 is connected to the element group 2302 by UVtreatment or ultrasonic treatment using an anisotropic conductive film,though the invention is not limited to this connecting method andvarious methods can be adopted.

The element group 2302 sandwiched between the protective layers 2301 and2303 has a thickness of 5 μm or less, and preferably a thickness of 0.1to 3 μm (see FIG. 8B showing a cross sectional structure). Therespective thicknesses of the flexible protective layers 2301 and 2303are desirably set to be (d/2)±30 μm, and more preferably (d/2)±10 μm,provided that the total thickness thereof is d. It is also desirablethat the protective layers 2301 and 2303 each have a thickness of 10 to200 μm. The area of the element group 2302 is 5 mm square (25 mm²) orless, and preferably 0.3 to 4 mm square (0.09 to 16 mm²).

The protective layers 2301 and 2303, which are formed of an organicresin material, have a structure resistant to bending. The element group2302 itself formed by a peeling process is also resistant to bending ascompared with a single crystalline semiconductor. Thus, the elementgroup 2302 can be attached close to the protective layers 2301 and 2303without any space therebetween. Therefore, a completed wireless tagitself can have a structure resistant to bending. Such an element group2302 sandwiched between the protective layers 2301 and 2303 may bedisposed on a surface of or inside an object, or mounted inside a pieceof paper.

Described now is the case of attaching an element group formed by apeeling process to a substrate having a curved surface (see FIG. 8C).FIG. 8C shows one transistor selected from the element group formed by apeeling process. This transistor is arranged so that the direction of anarc drawn by the substrate is perpendicular to that of current flowing.According to such a structure, it is possible to reduce the effect ofstress and suppress variations in characteristics of transistorsincluded in the element group even when the substrate is bent to draw anarc.

In addition, in order to prevent an active element such as a transistorfrom being damaged due to stress, it is desirable that an active region(silicon island portion) of the active element occupy 5 to 50%(preferably, 5 to 30%) of the whole area of the substrate. A regionwhere no active element such as a PT is provided mainly includes a baseinsulating film material, an interlayer insulating film material and awiring material. It is desirable that a region other than the activeregion of a transistor and the like occupy 60% or more of the whole areaof the substrate. According to such a structure, a highly integratedsemiconductor device that is easily bent can be provided.

Embodiment 3

The semiconductor device of the invention can be applied to variousfields. For example, a wireless tag that is one mode of thesemiconductor device of the invention can be mounted on bills, coins,securities, certificates, bearer bonds, packing containers, books, arecording medium, personal items, vehicles, food items, garments,healthcare items, livingwares, medicals, an electronic apparatus, andthe like. The bills and the coins refer to currency in the market andinclude a note that is a currency in a specific area (cash voucher),memorial coins and the like. The securities refer to a check, a stockcertificate, a promissory note, and the like (see FIG. 6A). Thecertificates include a driver's license, a resident card and the like(see FIG. 6B). The bearer bonds refer to a stamp, various gift couponsand the like (see FIG. 6C). The packing containers refer to a wrappingpaper of a lunch box or the like, a plastic bottle and the like (seeFIG. 6D). The books refer to a book, a volume and the like (see FIG.6E). The recording medium refers to DVD software, a video tape and thelike (see FIG. 6F). The personal items refer to a bag, glasses and thelike (see FIG. 6H). The vehicles refer to a wheeled vehicle such as abicycle, a vessel and the like (see FIG. 6G). The food items refer tofoods, beverages and the like. The garments refer to clothing, footwearand the like. The healthcare items refer to medical devices, healthappliances and the like. The livingwares refer to furniture, a lightingapparatus and the like. The medicals refer to medicines, agriculturalchemicals and the like. The electronic apparatus refers to a liquidcrystal display device, an EL display device, a TV receiver (a TV set, aflat screen TV receiver, and a flat screen TV set), a mobile phone, andthe like. When a wireless tag is mounted on the bills, the coins, thesecurities, the certificates, the bearer bonds, and the like,counterfeiting thereof can be prevented. When a wireless tag is mountedon the packing containers, the books, the recording medium, the personalitems, the food items, the livingwares, the electronic apparatus, andthe like, the efficiency of the inspection system, the rental system andthe like can be improved. When a wireless tag is mounted on thevehicles, the healthcare items, the medicals and the like,counterfeiting and theft thereof can be prevented and the medicines canbe prevented from being consumed in the wrong manner. The wireless tagmay be attached to a surface of a product or mounted inside a product.For example, the wireless tag may be mounted inside a page of a book, oran organic resin of a package.

When the invention is thus applied to product management anddistribution system, high performance system can be achieved. Forexample, a reader/writer 95 can be provided on the side of a portableterminal including a display portion 94 while a wireless tag 96 that isone mode of the semiconductor device of the invention can be provided onthe side of a product 97 (see FIG. 7A). In this case, when the wirelesstag 96 is put close to the reader/writer 95, the display portion 94displays data on the product 97 such as ingredients, a place of origin,and a record of the distribution process. Conventionally, the data onthe product 97 was limited to the one shown on a label. Meanwhile, alarger amount of data can be obtained by providing the wireless tag 96.As another example, the reader/writer 95 can be provided beside aconveyor belt (see FIG. 7B). In such a case, the product 97 can beinspected easily. This embodiment can be implemented in combination withthe aforementioned embodiment modes and embodiments.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE

-   11: power source circuit 12: clock generation circuit 13: data    demodulation/modulation circuit 14: CPU 15: interface circuit 16:    memory 17: data bus 18: antenna 19: reader/writer 20: wireless tag    21: column decoder 22: selector 23: read/write circuit 24: control    circuit 25: row decoder 26: row decoder 27: row decoder 28: row    decoder 29: memory cell array 30: memory cell array 31: memory cell    array 32: memory cell array 33: memory block 34: memory block 35:    memory block 36: memory block 39: power source 40: power source 41:    power source 42: power source 43: switch 44: switch 51: bus    interface 52: data cache 53: instruction decoder 54: reservation    station 55: instruction cache 56: ALU 57: ALU 58: FPU 59: FPU 60:    branch unit 61: load/store unit 62: pipeline unit 63: general    purpose register 64: CPU core 65: control circuit 67: peripheral    memory controller 68: peripheral memory controller 69: peripheral    bus controller 70: peripheral controller 71: power source 72: power    source 73: power source 74: switch 75: switch 80: element group 81:    substrate 82: substrate 83: conductive particle 84: resin 85:    terminal portion 86: substrate 94: display portion 95: reader/writer    96: wireless tag 97: product 601: power source generation circuit    602: power source generation circuit 603: resistor element 604:    reference potential generation circuit 605: comparator circuit 2301:    protective layer 2302: element group 2303: protective layer 2304:    antenna 2305: drain electrode 2306: source electrode 2307: gate    electrode

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a plurality of memory blocks; acontrol circuit; and a power supply circuit, wherein each of the memoryblocks comprises: a memory cell array including a plurality of memorycells each having a memory element in a region where a bit line and aword line cross each other with an insulator interposed therebetween;and a row decoder connected to the word line; and the control circuitoutputs to the power supply circuit, based on an operation signalincluding operating data of the memory blocks, at least one of a firstcontrol signal for varying a power supply potential supplied to thememory cell array, and a second control signal for stopping a powersupply potential supplied to the row decoder.
 2. The semiconductordevice according to claim 1, further comprising a central processingunit for outputting the operation signal.
 3. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a dedicated circuit foroutputting the operation signal.
 4. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a glass substrate, wherein the pluralityof memory blocks and the control circuit are provided over the glasssubstrate.
 5. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a flexible substrate, wherein the plurality of memory blocksand the control circuit are provided over the flexible substrate.
 6. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the memory cellsincluded in the memory blocks and provided in the same column areconnected to the same bit line.
 7. The semiconductor device according toclaim 1, wherein the memory cells included in the memory blocks areconnected to the same column decoder.
 8. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the memory blocks comprises acolumn decoder that operates independently of each other.
 9. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the bit line isprovided independently for each of the memory blocks.
 10. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the word line isprovided independently for each of the memory blocks.
 11. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein each of the memoryblocks is selected from the group of a DRAM (Dynamic Random AccessMemory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), an FRAM (FerroelectricRandom Access Memory), a mask ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM(Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Electrically ProgrammableRead Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory), and a flash memory.
 12. A semiconductor device comprising:a plurality of memory blocks; a control circuit; a power supply circuit;and a plurality of switches provided between the memory blocks and thepower supply circuit, wherein each of the plurality of switchescorresponds to one of the plurality of memory blocks, wherein each ofthe memory blocks comprises: a memory cell array including a pluralityof memory cells each having a memory element in a region where a bitline and a word line cross each other with an insulator interposedtherebetween; and a row decoder connected to the word line; and thecontrol circuit outputs to the switches, based on an operation signalincluding operating data of the memory blocks, at least one of a firstcontrol signal for varying a power supply potential supplied to thememory cell array, and a second control signal for stopping a powersupply potential supplied to the row decoder.
 13. The semiconductordevice according to claim 12, further comprising a central processingunit for outputting the operation signal.
 14. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 12, further comprising a dedicated circuit foroutputting the operation signal.
 15. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 12, further comprising a glass substrate, wherein the pluralityof memory blocks and the control circuit are provided over the glasssubstrate.
 16. The semiconductor device according to claim 12, furthercomprising a flexible substrate, wherein the plurality of memory blocksand the control circuit are provided over the flexible substrate. 17.The semiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the memory cellsincluded in the memory blocks and provided in the same column areconnected to the same bit line.
 18. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 12, wherein the memory cells included in the memory blocks areconnected to the same column decoder.
 19. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein each of the memory blocks comprises acolumn decoder that operates independently of each other.
 20. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the bit line isprovided independently for each of the memory blocks.
 21. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the word line isprovided independently for each of the memory blocks.
 22. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein each of the memoryblocks is selected from the group of a DRAM (Dynamic Random AccessMemory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), an FRAM (FerroelectricRandom Access Memory), a mask ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM(Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Electrically ProgrammableRead Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory), and a flash memory.